The International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia is held on 17 May every year. On 17 May 1990, the World Health Organization removed homosexuality from the International Classification of Diseases. Following the international movement to commemorate the date every year as the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia, a number of organizations in the UN have been marking 17 May with special events and awareness-raising campaigns. “My grades fell dramatically. I … [Read more...]
The International Day Against Homophobia – May 17, 2011
International Day Against Homophobia May 17 marks the 8th International Day Against Homophobia . As a gay man, this day allows me to reflect on the effect of homophobia and the way it intersects with HIV/AIDS. I want to remember that the impact of homophobia can lead to HIV risk-taking behaviors. Homophobia may keep people from getting information about HIV, and it may keep them from getting tested, or seeking the treatment and support services they need. I want to remember David … [Read more...]
Uganda – Death Penalty for GAYS: Emma Ruby-Sachs
In 48 hours, Uganda could pass a law that imposes the death penalty for homosexuality. An international outcry shelved this bill last year -- we urgently need to ramp up the pressure to press President Museveni to stand up for human rights and stop this brutal law. Sign below, and tell everyone: In 48 hours, the Ugandan Parliament may vote on a brutal new law that carries the death penalty for homosexuality. Thousands of Ugandans could face execution -- just for being gay.We've helped stop … [Read more...]
SAMHSA, Behavioral Health – National HIV/AIDS Strategy (Part I)
Behavioral Health and the National HIV/AIDS Strategy (Part I) As the recently appointed Federal inter-agency liaison for HIV/AIDS at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), I am pleased to join the discussion here on the AIDS.gov blog about how the National HIV/AIDS Strategy (NHAS) is being implemented across the Federal government. In support of the NHAS, SAMHSA is engaged in a variety of activities that address the behavioral health needs of people at high … [Read more...]
care2 petitionsite: 'Let's make Canada a leader for affordable AIDS drugs!'
Give AIDS Drugs the Vote They Deserve In 2009, Parliament passed a bill (C393) that would make affordable AIDS drugs available throughout the developing world. But the sponsor of the bill resigned and the rules of Parliament require a revote. We've already seen that the majority of Parliament supports this bill. Now we need to urge conservative members to agree to a sponsor, so that the bill gets the democratic vote it deserves. Let's make Canada a leader for affordable AIDS … [Read more...]
The Importance of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day – Feb. 7
The Importance of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day For the last three years, our blog posts for National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD), February 7th of every year, have focused on new media or statistics about African Americans and HIV. This year we wanted to share with you thoughts from two of our colleagues. No new media. No statistics. Just important words about an important day: As a Black gay man or woman living with HIV, you know, the challenges for all of us … [Read more...]
Avaaz – STOP `Corrective Rape`: TAKE ACTION!
‘Corrective rape’, the vicious practice of raping lesbians to ‘cure’ their sexuality, is becoming a crisis in South Africa. But brave activists are calling on the world to help stop these heinous Hate Crimes -- and finally the government is beginning to respond. Let's support them. Sign the petition and send it to friends! Millicent Gaika was bound, strangled, tortured and raped for five hours by a man who crowed that he was ‘curing’ her of her lesbianism. She barely survived, but she is … [Read more...]